Teranishi H, Kasuya M, Aoshima K, Kato T, Migita S
Toxicol Lett. 1983 Jan;15(1):7-12. doi: 10.1016/0378-4274(83)90161-3.
Vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP, known as Gc-globulin) was discovered by an immunochemical method in the urine of patients with Itai-itai disease. The urine and sera of Itai-itai disease patients produced specific precipitin lines with anti-human VDBP antisera. The electrophoretic mobility of the protein in the urine is the same as that in the serum. A significant correlation was found between VDBP and beta 2-microglobulin in the urine. Based on this result, it was concluded that Itai-itai disease is associated with disturbances of vitamin D transport and/or metabolism.